MUCH of Sunraysia, including Mildura­ city, would be wiped out by rising sea levels caused by global­ warming, according to a study published­ by National Geographic.

Although the phenomenon could take thousands of years, maps released­ by the US-based magazine show that South Australia’s Lake Eyre would become a large inland sea, while many lower Murray River towns and cities would be awash.

Sea levels could rise by almost 70 metres if Earth’s ice melted and flowed into the oceans and seas, and with Mildura only 50 metres above sea level, it would be among numerous tri-state regions under threat.

Ouyen has an above-sea level height of 56m, Wentworth 38m and Renmark 31m, making the three corners of their respective states vulnerable.­

Some scientists predict that it would take more than 5000 years for all the ice to melt, however the National Geographic maps forecast that coastal cities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Perth would be devastated by the sea rises.

Experts have predicted that sea levels could rise by 60 centimetres or more by the end of this century as world temperatures continue to rise.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Tuesday’s Sunraysia Daily 26/11/2013.